Russia Gas Deal Must Include Kiev Debts

Russia will be ready to negotiate a new gas supply deal with Ukraine if it includes Kiev's gas debt payments to Russian producer Gazprom, Energy Minister Alexander Novak told Rossiya-24 television on Friday.

European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic said earlier on Friday that there was no need for him to negotiate a new gas deal between Moscow and Kiev and that sales to Ukraine could from April be based on the existing contract.

Russia puts Ukraine's gas debts at $2.44 billion, including fees. Kiev disagrees with this estimate.

(Reporting by Katya Golubkova